Swimming aid

ABSTRACT

A swimming training aid is provided and comprises an elongate buoyant body. The body has a generally circular section along substantially the entirety of its length, and the diameter of the body is non-constant along at least the majority of its length.

The present invention relates generally to a swimming aid.

Swimming aids, such as swim floats and kickboards, are suitable for non-swimmers right up to advanced swimmers, and can be used by both adults and children.

Swimming float-assisted can be more difficult than swimming without the float, because if the float is held in front of the swimmer a more vigorous workout for the legs is given as the swimmer's weight is propelled solely by the legs, and vice versa for the arms.

Swim floats are used by swimming teachers as part of lessons for many different exercises. They can be used by non-swimmers to strengthen and by established swimmers to isolate and perfect technique. For example, a non-swimmer can use two floats, one placed under each arm, to help strengthen their leg kick. The floats provide stability and help boost confidence, whilst encouraging a leg kick.

The present invention seeks to provide improvements in or relating to swimming aids.

An aspect of the present invention provides a swimming training aid comprising an elongate buoyant body, the body having a generally circular section along substantially the entirety of its length, and the diameter of the body being non-constant along at least the majority of its length.

In some embodiments the diameter of the body varies constantly along its length. Some embodiments have one or more sections with a constant (cylindrical) section.

In some embodiments the body is generally ovoid, for example generally obovoid.

The body may be non-symmetrical about its transverse mid-line; the device may therefore, for example, be generally wider at a “front” end.

The body may have one or more handles or handholds. For example the device may have handholds cut, moulded, sculpted or otherwise formed/shaped into it.

The depth of the handhold/s may, for example, vary from 30 to 50 mm at the deepest point. Other embodiments could, for example, have deeper handholds, or barely any handhold, just an indentation such as approximately 5 mm deep. Some embodiments have just an indication of where hands may be placed, for example using a graphic depiction i.e. a handhold zone but no or substantially no depth change.

Some embodiments have one handhold. Others have two mutually spaced handholds. Embodiments with more than two handholds at different points on a body are possible.

In some embodiments handhold/s are provided at or towards a front end of a body. In some embodiments two handholds are provided, both being on a top side or portion of a body to enable gripping of a body with both hands out in front of a swimmer and generally on the top of a body.

In some embodiment the body has a defined longitudinal orientation in use i.e. a “front” end and a “rear” end.

In some embodiments the body is generally symmetrical about its longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments the body is a generally “teardrop” shape.

In some embodiments the body takes the form generally of a cone extending from a hemisphere.

In some embodiments a rear section may be a flat cone, a sphere cone or a parabolic cone.

In some embodiments a front section may be a generally part spherical shape, such as generally hemispherical.

One embodiment, for example, has a generally hemispherical front end from which a generally sphere cone shape rear end extends.

One embodiment, for example, has a generally part spherical front end from which a generally parabolic cone shape rear end extends.

In some embodiments the body is generally egg-shape.

Either or both of the ends of the body may be curved.

Either or both ends of the body may be generally cone shaped. Secant and/or tangent parabolic cone shapes may, for example, be used.

Parts of the body may comprise, consist of or include parts which are generally circular, elliptical, parabolic or hyper-parabolic in transverse and/or longitudinal section.

A circle is a smooth, uniform curve, while an ellipse is “stretched” out along one axis, and “compressed” along the perpendicular axis. Circles and ellipses are closed curves, while parabolas and hyperbolas are open curves. For parabolas the two arms are parallel to each other at infinity, but for hyperbolas the two arms make an angle with each other even at infinity.

Tapering along a generally cone-shape section/end may be smooth; it may be curved or straight.

Either or both ends of the body may be a generally ogival shape. There are two basic types of ogival “nose” shapes: the tangent ogive and the secant ogive. A tangent ogive has an arc which meets the body contour smoothly, thereby creating no break in line where the ogive joins the cylindrical body. In other words, the centre of rotation of the arc is in the plane of the base of the nose. If the centre of rotation of the arc is aft of the plane of the base of the nose, this is a secant ogive.

Either or both ends of the body may be generally spherical, for example a spherical cap. A spherical cap, spherical dome, or spherical segment is a portion of a sphere cut off by a plane. If the plane passes through the notional centre of a sphere, so that the height of the cap is equal to the radius of the sphere, the spherical cap is called a hemisphere.

In one embodiment, for example, the body has a spherical cap shape at one end and a generally parabolic cone shape (with curved sides) at the other end.

In one embodiment, for example, the body has a spherical cap shape at one end and a generally spherical cone shape (with curved sides) at the other end.

In some embodiments the body is generally lachrymiform in shape.

In some embodiments one or more onboard sensors are provided. For example some embodiments may have a range of artificial intelligence sensors, including some of: accelerometers, GPS, pulse rate, heart rate, and other sensors which may be linked to a dedicated App for tablet or smartphone use or direct to computer software.

The length of the body may be in the range 200 mm to 400 mm, for example approximately 250 mm or 350 mm. In other embodiments smaller versions may be provided as streamlined, wearable buoyancy aids, for example being approximately 50 mm in length.

The diameter of the body at or around the mid-point along its length may be in the range 100 mm to 200 mm, for example approximately 150 mm.

The present invention also provides a swim float comprising a rotationally unstable elongate body, the body having a section which varies along at least part of its length.

In aspects and embodiments of the present invention the body may be generally solid and formed, for example from EVA or HDPE. The body may, for example, be formed from a foamed material, such as EVA foam or expanded polypropylene (EPP). For example a float may be made from closed cell foam or any other floatation material. Alternatively or additional at least part of the body may be inflatable.

In one embodiment the material density is approximately 35 km/m³. In other embodiments the density is in the range 35 kg/m³+/−25%.

Different densities of material may be used for different versions of the body.

Different colours may, for example, be used to indicate different properties, such as material density.

The body may be configured to help train the arms and/or legs of a swimmer and could be held or gripped so as to be in front and/or behind (e.g. gripped between the legs or towed behind) a swimmer.

Some aspects and embodiments provide a 3D shape. Other aspects and embodiments provide a 2D shape, for example a planar/flat float with a footprint/outline generally the same as described above e.g. teardrop shape, or with a semi-circular top part and a triangular bottom part (possibly with a curved apex).

Some aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to a hand-held kicking training device.

Some aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to a hand-held swimming kicking training device.

In some aspects and embodiments the device/aid may be generally unstable, in use, in roll.

In some aspects and embodiments the device/aid may be generally stable, in use, in pitch.

In some aspects and embodiments the device/aid may be generally wider at a fore end than at an aft end.

In some aspects and embodiments the device/aid may include handles, handgrips, handholds, handholes or the like. These may be located in the longitudinally front half of an elongate device. In some aspects and embodiments these are located beyond the longitudinal centreline/midline of the device/aid.

In some aspects and embodiments the device aid is formed as a unitary piece. In other aspects and embodiments the device may be formed from two or more pieces connected or connectable together. In some aspects and embodiments an outer skin or cover may be provided.

The device/aid/float may have a generally curved fore (tip/front) end and a generally curved aft (base/bottom/back) end.

The aid/float/device may be intended/adapted to be held out in front of a swimmer in use.

In some aspects and embodiments both longitudinal ends of the device are curved. The radius of curvature of the fore end may be greater than that of the aft end.

The fore end of the device may be and/or terminate with or comprise a generally spherical segment, such as a hemisphere.

The aft end of the device may be and/or terminate with or comprise a generally elliptic paraboloid.

The present invention also provides a device/aid/float substantially as shown in one or more of the drawings.

The present invention also provides a device/aid/float having a three-dimensional shape substantially as shown and/or represented and/or described in one or more of the drawings.

A further aspect provides an instrumented swimming float.

A further aspect provides an instrumented, wearable swim float.

The float may comprise a body which is attached to, attachable to, or forms part of an item of swimwear or swim equipment.

In other embodiments the body may be wearable by virtue of a strap, band or the like.

The float may be configured as a water-tolerant, buoyant data collection and output device.

In some embodiments the float can take measurements relevant to swimming performance.

In some embodiments the float may be configured as a training aid; in other embodiments the float may be configured as a flotation or buoyancy aid.

The float may comprise one or more onboard sensors.

In some embodiments the sensor/s used include an accelerometer and/or an inertial measurement unit (IMU), for example an IMU that comprises an accelerometer, gyroscope and a magnetometer to provide a precise position in space.

The device may be provided with onboard power and/or onboard power generation means.

Some embodiments comprise communications means and can transmit the data (raw or partially/fully processed) onwards to allow further actions to be performed, such as for processing, analysis by a coach, information purposes, alert purposes, or monitoring compliance with instructions.

In aspects and embodiments of the present invention the float may be able to measure one or more of: rotational orientation; power output; distance travelled; speed; heart rate; blood oxygen level.

Further parameters that may be calculated/estimated/provided by the device may include: lap count, stroke/kick count, time in lap, total swimming time, pace/speed per lap, total swam distance, and swimming efficiency.

Data may be transmitted continuously. Alternatively or additionally, data may be transmitted periodically. The transmission of data from the device may be automatic or controlled/triggered by user input. In an example, data can be transmitted from the data capture device using a short-range wireless communications protocol such as: ANT, ANT+, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Cellular, IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.22, ISA100a, Infrared, ISM Band, Near-Field Communications, RFID, 6LoWPAN, Ultra-Wideband, Wi-Fi, Wireless HART, WirelessHD, WirelessUSB, ZigBee, Z-Wave.

Data may be transmittable to a proxy for onward transmission. For example, the data may be transmitted from the device to an item of user equipment such as a mobile phone, laptop computer or tablet, watch or any wearable device. From there, some or all of the data may be available to the individual/coach and may be onwardly transmitted to, for example, a web server. This then allows the data to be accessed, for example, by a coach to analyse the performance of the individual. Because the present invention allows for data to be transmitted regularly, the coach can be kept informed about their student on a regular basis, for example with hourly, daily, weekly or monthly updates. The coach may also have the ability to request and view real-time data remotely.

Data may be storable locally on the device. This could be useful, for example, if data transfer is temporarily not possible.

The shape of the float may be generally ovoid. In other embodiments the float may be provided in a swimming board (also known as a kickboard or flutter board) configuration.

The system may comprise means for providing feedback to the individual. For example haptic, visual or audible feedback provided by the device itself or by an associated device (such as a wearable device e.g. a wristwatch/band). This could be used to provide real-time feedback to the individual, for example relating to rotation, speed or the like.

The device could use a watch or other wearable device to interpret and/or transmit data.

The locally collected, remotely communicated telemetry data can be used, for example to provide real time information.

The present invention also provides a method of swimming training comprising use of an aid or float as described herein.

The present invention also provides an item of swimwear having sensor means for monitoring swimming performance.

For example the present invention may relate to an item of swimwear having one or more sensors. The sensor/s may be attached to, attachable to, or form part of the swimwear.

The present invention also provides an item of swimming equipment having sensor means for monitoring swimming performance.

The present invention also provides an item of swimming equipment having in-built sensor means for monitoring swimming performance.

For example the equipment may be a pair of swim goggles or a swim mask with means for monitoring and/or collecting and/or relaying data.

Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

The present invention is more particularly shown and described, by way of example, in the accompanying drawings.

The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In the description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 there is shown a swimming aid/floatation device generally indicated 10. The device 10 comprises a generally obovoid body 15.

This embodiment is a floatation device for swimming training and development, water fitness and fun.

The shape of the body 15 through its length is entirely (or mostly) circular in the longitudinal plane, whilst being, in plan, generally arcuate/circular at the front and generally elliptical at the back. This makes it (deliberately) wholly ‘unstable’ in roll whilst being ‘stable’ in pitch i.e. front to back in terms of fluid dynamics. The shape reduces drag, though can be adjusted to increase drag as needed.

In this embodiment a handhold 20, 25 is provided on either side of the body towards the front end.

In use core strength must be used to keep the device in plane i.e. core strength is used to prevent the device rotating too much.

FIG. 4 shows an instrumented swim float 110 formed according to an alternative aspect.

The float body 115 is a generally parallelepiped shape. The body 115 is provided with different sensors: accelerometers 130, 135; and a GPS module 140.

FIG. 5 shows a “smart” swimming aid 210, which in this embodiment is provided as a kick board.

Heart rate monitoring sensors 245, 247 are provided in a handhold areas 220, 225.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show a swim float 310 formed according to a further embodiment.

The body 315 is similar to the body 15 of the device 10. In this embodiment side cut out sections 350, 355 are provided.

Accelerometers 330, 335 are provided, as is a GPS unit 340, a heart rate monitor 345 and a Bluetooth communications module 365.

Data from the sensors is transmitted by Bluetooth (RTM) to a mobile device 360 which receives, processes and presents the data.

FIG. 9 shows an item of swimwear, in this embodiment being swimming trunks/shorts 470.

The shorts 470 are provided with a data collection module 475 for collecting one or more types of data relating to the swimmer and/or their swimming performance.

In this embodiment the module is formed as an integral part of the shorts. In other embodiments the device may be formed as a “wearable” e.g. attachable.

In FIG. 10 a swimming costume 580 is shown. The costume is equipped with a generally ovoid swim float 585. In this embodiment the float is generally the same shape as the float shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, although significantly smaller.

The float 585 is provided with onboard monitoring means for collecting data about the swimmer and/or their swimming performance.

FIG. 11 shows an item of swimming equipment, in this embodiment being a pair of goggles 690.

The goggles 690 are provided with in-built monitoring means 695 which monitor one or more parameter and/or other data relating to a swimmer and/or their swimming performance.

FIGS. 12A to 12D there is shown a float 710 formed in accordance with a further embodiment.

Dimensions shown on the drawings are reflective of the embodiment, but are not intended in this embodiment to be limiting. Dimensions are shown in mm and variations in dimensions suitable for other embodiments are also shown.

In this embodiment the handholds are sculpted into an upper (in use) surface).

In this embodiment the float is formed from expanded polypropylene (EPP).

In this embodiment the float is a 3D shape.

In other embodiments a 2D shape float with generally the same or a similar outline is provided. The float has some depth, but normally a generally non-varying section may be provided i.e. more like the float of FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 13 shows a data module formed in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 14 to 17 show various instrumented items of swimwear: swimming cap (FIG. 14); trunks (FIG. 15); goggles (FIG. 16); and swimsuit (FIG. 17).

In each case a data capture module formed in accordance with the present invention is provided.

In other embodiments (not shown) instrumented swimming equipment is provided by incorporating one or more sensors into the item e.g. a separate sensor attached or attachable to the equipment and/or integralised into the structure of the equipment.

FIGS. 18 to 21 show a handheld swim kick training device generally indicated 810. The device is a generally lachrymiform three-dimensional shape with a generally hemispherical fore end and a generally conical aft end (terminating with a generally curved end having a generally parabolic section). Both ends are generally curved. Sculpted handholds 820, 825 are provided either side of the centreline and towards the fore end, in the front half of the device. The radius of curvature of the fore end 811 is greater than that of the aft end 812.

In use the device is intended to be gripped by both hands and held out in front of a swimmer (i.e. the aft end is proximal to the swimmer and the fore end is distal). Due to the position of the handholds (beyond the centreline) downward pressure from the user provides pitch stability. The longitudinal shaped of the device (there are no flat/stabilising surfaces) means that it is inherently unstable in roll, requiring the user to compensate whilst kicking, which provides additional training benefits.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed:
 1. A swimming training aid comprising an elongate buoyant body, in which the body is generally obovoid and has a defined longitudinal orientation, being generally wider at a fore end than at an aft end, and in which the body is generally solid. 2-5. (canceled)
 6. An aid as claimed in claim 1, in which the body has one or more handles or handholds.
 7. (canceled)
 8. An aid as claimed in claim 1 and having one or more onboard sensors.
 9. An aid as claimed in claim 1, in which the length of the body is in the range 200 mm to 400 mm.
 10. An aid as claimed in claim 1, in which the diameter of the body at or around a mid-point along its length is in the range 100 mm to 200 mm. 11-12. (canceled)
 13. An aid as claimed in claim 1, in which the body is formed from a foamed material. 14-21. (canceled)
 22. A method of swimming stroke training comprising use of an aid as claimed in claim 1, with the aid being configured to be unstable in roll and stable in pitch.
 23. An aid as claimed in claim 6, in which the one or more handles or handholds are located at or towards the fore end of the body.
 24. An aid as claimed in claim 1 and being formed as a unitary piece.
 25. An aid as claimed in claim 1 and being formed from two or more pieces.
 26. An aid as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising an outer skin or cover.
 27. An aid as claimed in claim 8, comprising communications means.
 28. An aid as claimed in claim 8, in which the sensor/s can measure one or more of: rotational orientation; power output; distance travelled; speed; heart rate; blood oxygen level.
 29. An aid as claimed in claim 8, further comprising feedback means.
 30. An aid as claimed in claim 6, in which the depth of the handholds is in the range 30 mm to 50 mm.
 31. An aid as claimed in claim 1, in which two mutually spaced handholds are provided at or towards the fore end of the body, and in which both handles are on a top side or portion of the body to enable gripping of the body with both hands out in front of a swimmer and generally on the top of a body.
 32. A swimming float comprising a three-dimensional lachrymoform body comprising a generally hemispherical spherical front end from which a generally parabolic cone shape rear end extends. 